topic Re: Update Layer Symbology in Python Questions

Update Layer Symbology

jenniferstarbuck — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 04:02:07 GMT

If I am working with an MXD that has multiple river layers and each layer has different symbology ex color, and line thickness. Is there a way to use python script to change all the river layers to have the same symbology. I want to be able to change all the layers symbology at the same time with out having to go into the properties of each layer and making the changes there.
Can I use a reference MXD with the symbology I want and through python use the reference layer to update the other layers symbology?

Re: Update Layer Symbology

JasonScheirer — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:34:53 GMT

Yes, by using UpdateLayer in arcpy.mapping with the symbology_only argument set to True.

Re: Update Layer Symbology

SarahBurns — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 07:06:56 GMT

I am trying to do something similar and have followed the link posted above.
I am getting an error: Runtime error <type 'exceptions.IndexError'>: list index out of range

The code I am working on is trying to change the symbology of one file, I actually need it to work on many files. Can someone help me with the code below to make this happen! Thanks

import arcpy
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r"D:\updatelayer\mxd1.mxd")
df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd, "Layers")[0]
updateLayer = arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "FFDI_19900102", df)[0]
sourceLayer = arcpy.mapping.Layer(r"C:\Project\Data\FFDI_19900101.img.lyr")
arcpy.mapping.UpdateLayer(df, updateLayer, sourceLayer, True)
mxd.saveACopy(r"D:\updatelayer\test.mxd")